Jukskei River in Alexandra is a shadow of its former self

The Jukskei River is one of the largest rivers that’s used as a source of drinking water in Johannesburg, but its current state is a cause for concern as the river is now filled with excrement-filled water, trash and a putrid smell.

A Rekganyeng Leseding Initiative is an organisation that takes pride in wanting to live in a clean environment and works to keep Alexandra’s community clean. The organisation’s members are mostly unemployed women that have chosen to spend their time doing something productive. Due to excessive dumping the Jukskei River is one location they commit to cleaning regularly.

The residents on the Jukskei River’s banks dump trash and sewage directly into the river. This contributes to increased pollution in the river and according to the organisation, the river has become too dirty. As a result, the amount of dumping poured into the river is now causing it to become excessively narrow.

Sello Matlala committee member of A Rekganyeng organisation said that “One of the challenges we face is the excessive dumping which forces us to clean every day. Most things happen in this river like Sangoma’s coming to perform their rituals here and leaving dead chicken, goats and herbs in the water which further pollutes the river.”

According to Matlala, they will also get in touch with companies that have been seen dumping chemical waste into the river, which causes the water to change color and further pollutes the river. They believe there are always living creatures in rivers and people need to be more aware of this and refrain from polluting their own water source.

Members of A Rekganyeng are concerned that as garbage continues to accumulate, it may form a barrier, preventing the water from flowing freely which, when it rains heavily, may lead to flooding.

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